Boris Johnson thinks mansion tax is ‘absurd’

Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry the Mayor of London said: "The OECD now officially rates Britain as a high tax country with average earners now paying more than Sweden.

"We should have taxes that are low but fair and it is absurd to suddenly be whacking up taxes on cash poor people who happen to inhabit expensive houses in London when firms like Google are paying zero," he added.

His speech comes after David Cameron promised to sweep away rules, reviews and checks that are holding business back.

Mr Johnson urged the Government to go further in its efforts to support an "Age of Enterprise" by cutting personal tax rates and exempting new homes from stamp duty.